ROWAN'S POV:
Rowan was completely surprised. He had never seen such magical powers in action before.
"Are you alright, milady?" He hurried to the young woman's side, making sure she wasn't hurt.
"Milady, please, talk to me. What just happened?" Rowan's voice was strong and determined, his posture showing he was in charge.
A kind of power seemed to shine from the woman, making her stand out even more.
Rowan cautiously extended his hand to touch her, but he quickly drew it back as he felt a strange energy pushing against his hand.
As the woman slowly turned around to face him, her eyes blazed with a shade of purple, holding a hint of something mysterious.
"What are you?" Rowan's question came out forceful as he held his sword up in a way that showed he was ready to defend if needed.
However, as he looked at her more closely, he realized that the woman appeared to be overwhelmed by her emotions.
Rowan couldn't help but observe the change in her demeanor.
Despite her powers and aura, she seemed to be struggling with something deep within her.
Tears streaked down her face, smudging her cheeks.
Her expression was filled with a mix of intense emotions, like anger, pain, and refusal, all jumbled together.
"Ember is gone," she blurted out, her words carrying a heavy weight, before collapsing to the ground.
Quick as lightning, Rowan's instincts took over.
He moved swiftly to catch her before she could hit the forest floor.
Cradling her gently, he assessed her pulse and checked her overall condition, his strategic mind already figuring out what needed to be done next.
"Secure the area!" Rowan's voice commanded his troop, his words strong and determined.
"We have to make sure there are no hidden dangers around."
His soldiers sprang into action, creating a protective circle around them, their weapons at the ready.
"Someone, find a healer immediately!" Rowan's voice was filled with urgency as he assigned one of his troop to fetch assistance.
The seriousness of the situation was clear, and he was determined to ensure that every measure was taken to help the woman in need.
The woman's eyes blinked open for a brief moment, and her gaze met Rowan's.
"Stay here with me, milady," he said firmly, his voice carrying authority. "We need to understand what happened."
The young woman managed a weak nod, her breathing coming in uneven gasps.
"Save Ember. Ember can't die..." Her energy flared once more, like a burst of light.
Her temperature seemed to rise incredibly, causing Rowan to feel the heat as if he were standing near a flame.
Rowan acted quickly, gently placing her down on the soft grass to prevent any harm.
As she settled, her cloak slipped off, revealing her fiery red hair.
Rowan was taken aback, his steps faltering.
"Could she possibly be the person the King tasked us to find?" Rowan wondered aloud, his thoughts turning over the possibilities.
He observed her closely, taking note of her slender build and average height.
Her vibrant red hair flowed like a river of fire over her shoulders, and tiny freckles adorned her face.
A realization struck him. She matched the precise description the King had provided.
At the same time, a guard rushed up to Rowan, urgency etched on his face.
"Captain, there's an important message. The healers are all occupied, attending to those hurt by the sudden fireballs."
Rowan's forehead creased as he absorbed the information, shaking his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"Got it," he replied with a determined nod.
He was well aware that strange and unexplained events were gripping Veridia, and the situation was growing more serious with each passing moment.
"Maintain the area's security," Rowan directed the guard, his voice unwavering. "We can't allow further disorder to unfold."
"Also, scour the surroundings for any other potential victims," he added as an afterthought.
The guard nodded quickly, hurrying to fulfill Rowan's orders.
As the guard hurried away, Rowan's gaze flickered back to the unconscious young woman, his thoughts focused on her and the enigmatic circumstances she was entangled in.
"I don't have all the details, but this lady holds importance for the King," he murmured to himself, his brows furrowed in thought.
With a resolute nod, he shifted his attention to his guards.
"You all stay here and make sure everything remains orderly," Rowan commanded his guards, his tone conveying his authority. "I'll take her to the nearest infirmary."
Gently and carefully, Rowan lifted the woman and her phoenix, his movements deliberate and focused.
He navigated the surroundings with careful steps, leading the way to the infirmary, a sense of urgency propelling him forward.
As they arrived, Rowan addressed the attending physicians with a firm tone.
"Take care of them. They've been through quite an ordeal," he directed, his words carrying weight.
The physician nodded solemnly, fully understanding the seriousness of the situation.
"But there's a challenge," the physician added, his expression concerned. "We've been advised not to use magic. We're uncertain if we can heal both the woman and her bird without it."
Rowan's forehead wrinkled as he took in the physician's words, appreciating the straightforwardness.
"Absolutely, do everything you can," he asserted firmly. "Their recovery is crucial."
Rowan's mind raced as he processed the situation, considering the best course of action.
Turning to one of his men, he issued clear and concise instructions.
"Inform the King about the woman. Let him know her condition is worsening. Use the portal for swift communication."
The guard nodded promptly, understanding the urgency and importance of his mission.
With a quick nod, he hastened away, Rowan's resolute directions ringing in his ears as he set out to fulfill his task.
In the meantime, the young woman remained unconscious, her hands tightly clutching her phoenix as if seeking comfort and protection.
Despite her state, her bond with the bird was unbroken, a sign of their deep connection.
The infirmary bustled around them, physicians working diligently to understand and address their condition.